Landscapes, parks and nature

Landscapes, parks and nature

People landscaping in a Japanese garden in Scotland, with a mountain in the background.
Landscaping in the Japanese Garden at Cowden, Scotland. Credit: Devlin Photo Ltd.
Looking after nature and helping people to understand its importance has never been more vital.

Since 1994 we have awarded over £2.1billion of National Lottery and other funding to more than 4,900 land, nature and biodiversity projects across the UK. 

Protecting the environment is one of our four Heritage 2033 investment principles. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. 

We are prioritising landscape and nature projects that:

  • support nature’s recovery
  • deliver nature-based solutions to address climate change
  • reconnect people to landscapes, marine environments and nature

The climate crisis

The heritage sector has an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change. Find out more about what we're doing to tackle the climate crisis.

What we expect from projects we fund

We want all kinds of heritage project, large and small, to:

  • limit any potential damage on the environment
  • make a positive impact on the environment and particularly for nature

Read our environmental sustainability guidance.

How to get funding

Our National Lottery Heritage Grants funding programme is open, providing grants from £10,000 up to £10million.

Find out more

Discover what projects we fund, and what you could do with our investment to help protect our natural world.

A child holds a butterfly while a guide smiles at him

 

We support projects that conserve and enhance habitats and protect and preserve the UK's precious species.

Romney Marsh

We expect successful projects to show how they will address the key challenges faced by the UK's landscapes and nature.

Green roof of cafe

Public parks are facing a severe reduction in funding from local authorities. This is how we can help your parks and urban green spaces.

The UK is world renowned for its wealth of historic designed parks, gardens and cemeteries. Here's how our funding can help look after them.

A view of Burslem Park, Burslem

Projects

Burslem, Burslem Park

Led by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and delivered in partnership with the Friends of Burslem Park group, this project focused on one of the largest registered Victorian Parks in the UK.

A photo of Barnes Park

Projects

Barnes Park

This £3.6million regeneration project transformed Barnes Park, which has been a key part of Sunderland's heritage for more than 100 years.

People running through Sconce and Devon Park

Projects

Newark - Sconce and Devon Park

The project focused on a range of improvements to enhance the appearance and accessibility of Sconce and Devon Park.

View of the sensory garden, Dartmouth Park
Sensory garden, Dartmouth Park

Projects

West Bromwich, Dartmouth Park

Dartmouth Park has been transformed as part of a project run by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

Guided walk at Abbotts Hall Farm
Guided walk at Abbotts Hall Farm

Projects

Abbotts Hall Farm, Gt Wigborough - Acquisition

The acquisition of Abbots Hall Farm showed a new approach to managing the coastline in the face of climate change and rising sea levels, while also benefiting nature and people.

Panorama of the Shropshire Hills AONB
The Shropshire Hills AONB

Projects

Blue Remembered Hills, Shropshire

Previously neglected parts of the landscape were revitalised and landowner and public support transformed thanks to the Blue Remembered Hills project.

Visitors to Venus Pool Nature Reserve

Projects

Venus Pool Nature Reserve, Cound

The Venus Pool Nature Reserve, Cound project allowed Shropshire Ornithological Society to acquire approximately 28 further acres of land surrounding Venus Pool.

Local young people working in Judy Woods, Bradford
Local young people working in Judy Woods, Bradford

Projects

QR Code Information Track Judy Woods Bradford

The Friends of Judy Woods and JAMES (Joint Activities and Motor Education Services) worked together to open up natural heritage to local young people through a new digital heritage trail.

Young people getting involved with the Living Windows for Cumbernauld project
Young people getting involved with the Living Windows for Cumbernauld project

Projects

Connecting people to Cumbernauld’s green spaces

The Scottish Wildlife Trust worked with local schools and community groups to connect people to the green spaces in their town.

A child being shown the basics of archaeology

Projects

Discovering Bromborough

Evidence of Roman settlement in Bromborough has been uncovered thanks to a community archaeology project.

Children toasting marshmallows at a woodland storytelling festival
Children toasting marshmallows at a woodland storytelling festival

Projects

A community woodland for Bulwell

A Nottinghamshire community has been encouraged to explore, appreciate and care for local woodland in need of maintenance.

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